City Attorney

Role

We are the general municipal attorneys for the City. Our staff represents the City in a wide variety of judicial and administrative proceedings, and prosecutes violators of City laws.

One of our most important functions is to render advice to the Orange City Council on procedural and substantive legal issues. Our guidance ensures that Council members' actions fall within the framework of the law, and avoid violations of existing public meeting and conflict of interest laws.

Responsibilities

Our Office drafts or reviews the legal documents necessary for the daily operation of the City, such as:

Bonds

Contracts

Deeds

Insurance

Leases

Ordinances

Resolutions

We also represent the City in court on both criminal and civil matters.

As the chief legal officer of the City, the City Attorney has primary responsibility for the criminal prosecution of violations of City ordinances, which includes housing and building codes, business license codes, and crimes involving the public peace, morals, and welfare.

On the civil side, the City Attorney defends and sometimes initiates litigation involving personal injury liability, the environment, civil rights or personnel issues.

While the City Attorney's Office endeavors to do as much of the City's legal work as possible, certain legal issues are so specialized or require such large commitments of time over a short period, that the City contracts with outside law firms to represent the City's interest. Historically, the City has utilized outside law firms to handle matters involving eminent domain, police civil rights issues and various bond offerings.

Services

The City Attorney's Office represents and advises the City Council, Planning Commission, City Departments, and the City's boards, commissions, and committees. We cannot advise private citizens in legal matters.

If you are looking for legal representation and/or help with answering general legal questions, please contact: